Ethics

What are the similarities and differences in culture and politics between China and India
First off, China and India are very old countries, i.e. they have been the homes of ancient civilizations with their own very distinct and rich culture and traditions that still live on in the land and people even today. From religion to dress, to music, even to the ancient architecture and appearance of both countries their ancient heritages are so very distinctive, and very respected and well-preserved as these more often than naught shine through in most aspects of the peoples lives. Presently, however, China is a fast developing country determinedly on its way to become a world power while India has steadily maintained the developing country status, though many see it as impoverished. In terms of political structure though, India and China are exact opposites India is known to be the largest democracy in the world while China is a communist country. Although present-day China has made a few rather democratic changes, the government still controls most of every aspect of the lives of its people and censorship is still its favourite weapon. This is a stark contrast to India, famous for producing the peaceful Gandhi, and its long-suffering but also long-living democracy.

What are the similarities and differences in population control between China and India
China and India are the two most populous countries in the world. This problem was recognized by both countries in centuries past when problems arose in terms of allocation of resources such as housing and food. Through the decades, centuries even, the governments of both countries have recognized this pressing issue and have taken active approaches to find solutions to the problem. Different ways to facilitate fertility reduction have been applied by both governments to minimize the growth of their respective populations.  China, however, has taken a more aggressive approach to the problem, to the point of receiving both extreme commendation and extreme criticism from the rest of the world. The most famous fertility reduction measure undergone by China is the One Child Policy. These measures, though extreme, have been effective as the growth rate of Chinas population drastically slowed some centuries ago after it began doubling in size. India, however, tried to reinforce almost the same measures, but never quite as drastic. As a result, China has been successful in achieving a demographic transition while India has not seen even a shadow of such a transition. Some blame the differing political structures of the countries for this. China being quite able to impinge drastic policies onto its people, while members of the Indian democracy cannot and do not push the application of strong population control policies because it is controversial, considering the human rights and religious issues surrounding it. A controversial issue, no matter how important, will have a hard time taking root and finding action in a democracy as politicians do not want any kind of negative associated with them because it ruins the chance of their taking office.

What would you suggest for the Chinese and Indian government related to their population control and socioeconomic development
Chinas development of late has been rather impressive but that is the development of China as a single entity, not as a country made up of all its people. On the population control front, China has been rather successful with its strict and drastic policies, but on the socioeconomic front though, China still has much development to go through in terms of humanity and freedom. While China needs to soften up, India needs to toughen up to make things happen. They do not need to turn into a dictatorship or communist country, all it takes is for honest people to work hard together towards a common goal. I think a simple and effective solution is the wide and thorough dissemination of information about birth control plus government-funded free clinics that would not only educate people about birth control but would also give them free contraceptives and other options for fertility reduction. Just facilitating healthy, helpful discussion about it can really help most social ills are fed by ignorance.